Windshield cleaner and protector



June 28, 1932. G. VAN DAAM wmnsmsw CLEANER AND PROTECTOR Filed Jan. 2,1930 1 It! aallllrn rlll lr 5111,!

m P a my .Zhdflibr: 0 67715 VTI/DJHITZ Wham #Zivwwg Patented June 28,1932 PATENT OFFICE GERRIT VAN DAAM, OF BUFFALO, NEW YORK WINDSHIELDCLEANER AND 1?R0'JEIECK'IJOIR.

Application filed January 2, 1930. Serial No. 418,143.

The invention relates to windshield cleanair to required temperaturebefore discharging the same against or adjacent the glass.

The purpose is to provide a self-contained unit of simple construction,which shall be inexpensve to make and efficient in action.

Referring to the drawing which illustrates merely by way of example asuitable embodiment of the invention Fig. 1 is a horizontalcross-section of the 29 device associated with a windshield a portion ofwhich is shown in section. v

Fig. 2'is a vertical section on line 2, 2 of Fig. 3 is a plan view inoutline, on reduced scale, showing an alternative means for mounting.

Fig. 4 is an underside view of the tube 14 with a series of slots 16instead of a single slot 15.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

7 In Fig.- 1 is shown a motor 7 enclosed in chamber '8, and having ashaft 9 projecting into a separate chamber 10. Upon the end of shaft 9in chamber 10 is mounted the fan or blowing element 11. Chambers8 and 10are shown enclosed in a single housing 12. Connecting with the housingis a nozzle formation 13 communicating with the chamber 10 and adaptedto receive by frictional engagement or otherwise the tube 14. This tube14 is provided with a slot 15, or a series of slots 16 in alinement, ator near the bottom thereof. This tube 14 maybe additionally supported byone or more brackets such as 17, or otherwise if required. If the tubeis sufficiently light in weight it may readily be secured and supportedsolely by the nozzle l3. Extending from the rear of housing 12 is atubular extension 18 communicating at one end with chamber 10, at theother end engaging with and supporting the housing 19 in which isprovided the resistance or heating element 20. This housing 19 is shownas having sliding engagement with the tubular extension 18. Thisextension 18 is shown as extending through the glass 21 of thewindshield and clamped thereto by the clamp nut 22, threaded on aspecial formation 23 on the tubular extension. Between the clamping nut22 and the housing 19, the tubular extension 18 is provided with the airinlet openings 24, adapted to be opened and closed by the slidingmovement of housing 19. Air inlet opening or ports 25 are also providedin the rear wall of the housing 19. Binding posts 26 are associated withthe de vice,'which are in electrical circuit with the motor 7 and thebattery 31. The binding posts 26 are also connected with the contactplates 27 for engagement with the cooperating contact pieces 29connected with the terminals of the resistance 20 and supported outsideof the housing 19 and adapted to bring the heating element into circuitwhen the housing 19 is moved toward the windshield toclose air inletopenings 24.

The usual controlling switch 32 will obviously be properly connected.and conveniently positioned in the circuit between the battery 31 andthe motor.

The tube 14 is provided with a bracket or arm 33 to which is attachedthe actuating rod 34 extending to the inner side of the windshield sothat the tube 14 may be slightly rotated in either direction to alterthe angle of flow of air from nozzle 15 or nozzles 16 to the windshield.

Suitableineans may be provided to prevent the accidental disengagementof the tube 14 from nozzle 13; for example a collar 35'may be secured tothe tube 14 to be engaged by the latch 36 on nozzle 13'controlled byspring 37.

The device may be attached to the outer frameof the car or of thewindshield instead of passing through the glass thereof. In which case abracket 38 may be used having a clamp 39 at one end for engaging thetubular extension 18, and a similar clamp 40 at the other end forengaging a portion of the frame 41.

In operation When the device is suitably positioned at the upper frontpart of the windshield and it is desired to operate the same the switchis closed, whereupon the motor drives the blower to project a current orstream of air changed from time to time to secure the best results. Vhenthe temperature of the atmosphere is at or below the freezing point thehousing 19 is shifted to close the air inlet ports 24 and to establishelectrical contact between the elements 27 28, 29 and 30 to bring theheating element 20 into circuit, whereupon all the air will be drawnthrough inlet ports 24 to be heated by the heating element 20 beforepassing to the tube 14. By such means the formation of ice upon thewindshield is prevented.

It will be understood that, in accordance with this invention, the airis not at any time under appreciable pressure, as this would tend toimpair the efliciency of operation. It is only necessary to secure therequired velocity of the air stream or streams to intercept or removethe moisture which would otherwise impair the clear vision.

What I claim is 1. In a windshield cleaner and protector, aself-contained unit comprising a chambered formation, a motor, a chamberenclosed motor driven fan, an air delivery pipe supported by saidformation and extending from said chamber and having a swivelingconnection therewith and means operable to the rear of the windshieldfor rocking the pipe to change from time to time as required thedirection of air discharge.

2. In a windshield cleaner and protector, a self-contained unitcomprising a chambered formation, a motor, a chamber enclosed motordriven fan and an electrical heating resistance, an air delivery pipeextending from the fan enclosing chamber, and means for moving theresistance to cut the same out of circuit.

3. In a windshield cleaner and protector, a

self-contained unit comprising a chambered formation, a motor, a chamberenclosed motor driven fan and an electrical heating resistance, an airdelivery pipe extending therefrom, and means for shifting the resistanceto cut the same out of circuit and simultaneously to open direct airports to the fan.

I 4. In a windshield cleaner and protector, a self-contained unitcomprising a chambered formation having associated therewith amorotatably seated in the nozzle and supported" thereby, and a latch fordisengageably securing the pipe from accidental disengagement from thenozzle.

GERRIT VAN DAAM.

